Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.

Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.

Abstract: Scalable arm assemblies for solar energy collector. In one instance, two end arms of two collectors are formed with identical hubs, end fittings, and bottom fitting but different connectors between hubs and fittings. Separate solar energy collector panels or wings may be interconnected with e.g. an interconnect that is asymmetric in one direction but symmetric in a second direction in cross-section. A solar energy collector may also have a unique sprocket drive system.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling arrays of solar thermal energy collectors. Rows of the array are actuated sequentially or consecutively rather than concurrently.

Abstract: Solar energy reflector, collector, array, and other equipment for converting solar energy to e.g. thermal energy. A reflector or collector may, for instance, comprise a plurality of longitudinal rails; a rib engaging and spanning the plurality of longitudinal rails; and a first mirror panel. The rib of the reflector or collector may have a slot that is parabolic or in the shape of a section of a parabola. A portion of the mirror panel such as an end portion or a portion located away from the ends may be positioned within the rib's slot.

Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.

Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and methods for concentrating solar radiations with trough solar energy collectors are disclosed. A support assembly for a trough solar energy collector has a plurality of transverse ribs attached to longitudinal rails and end assemblies secured to the rails. End assemblies may attach to longitudinal rails through transverse ribs, and guy wires may span from one of the end sections to the other. Transverse ribs may be formed of two rib sections with semi-parabolic shape. Solar energy collecting panels may be placed on the ribs and secured with cowlings and transverse panel-retaining strips, for instance.

Abstract: Foam backed solid support structure and trough solar energy collector. A support structure has foam or other polymeric material, a plurality of end arms, and a plurality of end caps secured to the formed foam material. The foam material is cut into a parabolic or semi-parabolic shape, and a reflective element may be placed onto the formed foam material and secured mechanically, with adhesion, and/or integrated with the surface. A solar energy collector formed using a polymeric core may have longitudinally-extending cowling, end caps, and end arms as described.

Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatus and methods that may reduce or prevent damage to fragile components of solar collectors during storms, especially more violent storms such as hurricanes and sand-storms.

Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.

Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.

Abstract: A bookmark/writing instrument includes a thin, generally planar card made of a flexible material, and having a cutout section formed therein for receiving and holding a writing instrument. The writing instrument is made of athin generally planar piece of material dimensioned to fit within the cut-out section of the card in a co-planar relationship therewith. Structure is included for releasably holding the piece of material in place within the cut-out section of the card. A marking device is disposed on the piece of material to enable writing on or otherwise marking an object. At least one side edge of the card is substantially straight to provide a straight edge for marking.

Abstract: A ski clip device for securing a pair of skis together in a base to base relationship and for holding a ski pole. The device includes first and second generally elongate clip members, each of which is formed to present a generally arcuate cross section defining a channel therein, with each end of the clip members being open. The clip members are attached together in a back to back relationship so that the channels thereof face in generally opposite directions. The channel of the first clip member is dimensioned to receive thereinto a portion of the sides of a pair of skis and the channel of the second clip member is dimensioned to receive the shank of a ski pole.